Sexual Battery (Florida Statute § 794.011) is also referred to as Rape, Sexual Assault, and Statutory Rape.

In general, Rape or Sexual Assault cases involve allegations that one person forced another to engage in some sort of sexual contact without their permission. In Florida, Statutory Rape is charged when a victim is a minor under the age of 17. An individual can be charged with a Second Degree Felony (Florida Statute § 794.05) if it is alleged that a 16 or 17 year old had sexual activity with an individual over the age of 24. This law does however provide an exception to those who are married or under law have had the 'disabilities of nonage removed' ( Florida Statute § 743).

An arrest for Sexual Battery is a serious charge that not only has the potential to carry a prison sentence ranging from 10 years to Life in prison, but a conviction may also require registration as a sex offender. Sex offenders are posted on the FDLE website and are accessible to the public. In addition, a letter may be sent to the people who live in the community of a sex offender which allows citizens to know of the name and address of sex offenders living in their neighborhood. Being registered as a sex offender is something that follows a person well after their case is over and for some, the social isolation of being labeled a sex offender can be as devastating as prison time.

The Law Offices of Whittel & Melton, LLC is dedicated to defending those wrongly accused of Sexual Battery, Rape, Sexual Assault and Statutory Rape. The lawyers, staff and assistants and the Law Offices of Whittel & Melton, LLC are ready to assist in your defense. Contact us today.